| http://www.andrewsribshack.com
January 10,2008
Meridian - Popular restaurateurs Andrew
Petrehn and Saundra McDavid, owners of Eagle Rib Shack, have
opened
their
second
restaurant, aptly named Andrew’s Rib Shack, in historic
downtown Meridian at Idaho and Main Street. The new restaurant
offers the same menu as the Eagle location, including the
award winning ribs, tri tip and the ever popular smashed
potatoes. “The first comment people made after tasting
my food during the first week of opening the Eagle Rib Shack
in 2004 was that I needed a bigger place,” Petrehn
commented. “We’ve been looking for the perfect
location to open a larger restaurant for the last year and
were thrilled when this opportunity presented itself.” Lines
for lunch and dinner frequently snake out the door and to
the street at the original Eagle Rib Shack location. The
new restaurant is over 3,400 square feet, with ample indoor
seating, a conference room, and a large outdoor patio. Located
adjacent to Generations Plaza in downtown Meridian, the restaurant
will be a central part of the activities planned in the park
by the City. Petrehn anticipates offering live entertainment
on the patio during the summer. The décor includes
authentic western chuck wagon and cattle drive pictures and
paraphernalia. Huge smokers are on display which can cook
over 2,400 pounds of meat at one time. Friendly kitchen staff
can be seen preparing the food in the open kitchen.
The City of Meridian has invited Andrew’s Rib Shack
to participate in the annual Mayor’s State of the City
Address and Taste of Meridian Reception in February. “We
are delighted to welcome this distinctive new dining option
to downtown Meridian,” said Meridian Mayor Tammy de
Weerd. “Andrew Petrehn is an experienced restaurateur
with a terrific reputation and clearly knows what he’s
doing when it comes to good food and great barbecue. Andrew’s
Rib Shack will be a great family-friendly gathering place
and a perfect complement to our downtown’s existing
shops, offices and restaurants.”
Shawn Wardle of the Meridian Development Corporation actively
encouraged Petrehn to open a restaurant in Meridian when
Petrehn announced he was looking for a new location for a
new restaurant in early 2007. “Andrew’s Rib Shack
is the type of business on which to base our downtown revitalization.
We are excited to have the restaurant in our downtown area.” stated
Wardle.
Rick Valenzvela, who owns Rick’s Press Room Grill
and Bar, was likewise excited by the opening of Andrew’s
Rib Shack a few doors down from his own eatery. “Andrew’s
Rib Shack is a welcome addition to the downtown Meridian
dining scene. Our restaurants compliment each other and offer
diners a choice of high quality food in a comfortable, inviting
environment.” stated Valenzvela.
Petrehn was the 2003 Thrill of the Grill Barbecue Grand
Champion, and opened his first barbecue restaurant, Eagle
Rib Shack, after he lost a bet with his wife, Saundra McDavid.
He has competed in numerous barbecue competitions and his
awards are on display in the two restaurants. Andrew’s
Rib Shack was a title sponsor of the American Red Cross Barbecue
for the Red in 2007, feeding over 4,500 people and helping
the organization raise over $20,000 during the Julia Davis
Park Centennial Celebration.
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